10 replies to this topic

[SpikeTheLobster]

In the same vein as my post on the word "biodegradable", how about the word "organic"? How closely controlled is that word, when used on products in local markets, stores and even farm shops? Given that I've seen it used on stuff where - as far as I can see - it's just an excuse to double the price, I'm intrigued. Is it a "controlled" word for advertisers or is it something they can use however they want?

Note that I haven't researched this AT ALL - it just popped into my head right now and I posted, so go right ahead and give me article links and stuff if you like! (Or just say "Pfft, do your research...")

[Shortpoet-GTD]

http://www.ams.usda....acct=nopgeninfo

http://www.organic.o...cle/article-201

[SpikeTheLobster]

So, if I understand that correctly, there's NO regulation on advertisers - they can say something's "organic" and that's fine - but they can use the USDA stamp to prove they're actually organic if they are?

[SpiroFlo]

Yeah, "organic" is not unlike "green." Marketing people love the term -- as you can spin it most ways you like. It usually requires more research on your part to find out what's really in there.

But the sticker though -- man, you gotta earn that sticker.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

I succumb to chocolate too often, so even I'm not organic.

[still learning]

SpikeTheLobster, on 23 December 2011 - 04:47 AM, said:

So, if I understand that correctly, there's NO regulation on advertisers -......

Apparently lots of regulations written regarding organic food advertising in the US:  http://www.nal.usda....OAPGuide1.shtml

So what does the organic designation mean for the consumer?  Only that some specific guidelines are followed in producing the food.  Only allowed kinds of fertilizer and pesticides used.  Not a lot else.  Quality or taste? Not specified by the organic label.  Could be better than conventional, but doesn't have to be.  Still have to use good judgment.  Organic fruit picked too early will be just as taste deficient as conventionally grown fruit picked too early.

[SpikeTheLobster]

still learning, on 24 December 2011 - 01:35 AM, said:

Apparently lots of regulations written regarding organic food advertising in the US:

That's very interesting when tied in with Shortpoet's USDA links - since the use of the word "organic" in labelling produce is regulated and can only be used when checked by USDA, the earlier links become far more important: anything without a USDA stamp on it that claims to be organic is illegal use. At least, that would be my understanding from a quick look at the laws.

[makeitmom]

At the end of the day, its up to you on what you deem what organic means to you. Look up what you buy and see if its whats acceptable to what you would feed you and your family. Most times (not all) local farms and growers get as close as to what I'm willing to use when it comes to produce and then some.

Do some research in your area about local growers, make some calls, and go ahead and ask some questions.

[zararina]

Hard to ensure now if foods are organic since there are those who would fake stickers or whatever necessary to be faked for the sake of having more sales since there are increasing number of organic products buyers. But we could research more about products and know those brands that are proven organic or proven what had been declared it contains. And also planting or growing own foods is an option if possible.

[Shortpoet-GTD]

(From an older article)- and of course, lobbyists have their dirty hands all over it.

"Grated organic cheese, for example, contains wood starch (saw dust, mulch, tree limbs?-what) to prevent clumping.
Organic beer can be made from non-organic hops.
Organic mock duck contains a synthetic ingredient that gives it an authentic, stringy texture.
(organic mock duck???)
In response to complaints, the USDA inspector general's office has widened an investigation of whether products
carrying the label meet national standards.
The probe is also looking into the department's oversight of private certifiers who are hired by farmers and
food producers and inspect products to determine whether they can use the label.

"It will unravel everything we've done if the standards can no longer be trusted," said Sen. Patrick J. Leahy (D-Vt.),
who sponsored the federal organics legislation.
"If we don't protect the brand, the organic label, the program is finished. It could disappear overnight."

Under the original organics law, 5 percent of a USDA-certified organic product can consist of non-organic substances,
provided they are approved by the National Organic Standards Board.
That list has grown from 77 to 245 substances since it was created in 2002.
The Organic Trade Association, which represents corporations such as Kraft, Dole and Dean Foods,
lobbied for and received language in a 2006 appropriations bill allowing certain synthetic food substances
in the preparation, processing and packaging of organic foods, creating conditions for a flood of processed organic foods."

***(I'm not posting the entire article, but robinson is a piece of work- she's been bought/sold to the highest bidder.)

"In 2004, Robinson issued a directive allowing farmers and certifiers to use pesticides on organic crops if
"after a reasonable effort" they could not determine whether the pesticide contained chemicals prohibited by the organics law.

The same year, Robinson determined that farmers could feed organic livestock non-organic fish meal, which can contain
mercury and PCBs.
The law requires that animals that produce organic meat be raised entirely on organic feed.
In an interview, Robinson said she believes the federal program's main purpose is to "grow the industry," and she dismissed controversies over synthetics in organic foods as "mostly ridiculous."
Under Robinson, the National Organic Program has repeatedly opted not to issue standards spelling out how organic food
must be grown, treated or produced.
In 65 instances since 2002, the standards board has made recommendations that have not been acted upon,
creating a haphazard system in which the private certifiers have set their own standards for what products can carry the federal label."


http://www.washingto...9070203365.html

In other words, organic doesn't mean ****.

[Pushhyarag2000]

From my best reference resource, as always, I found this:

• There is an International Federation of Organic Agricultural Movements which maintains an Organic Farming standard and an Organic Accreditation Service.
  
• It defines Organic Agriculture thus:

Quote

"Organic agriculture is a production system that sustains the health of soils, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles adapted to local conditions, rather than the use of inputs with adverse effects. Organic agriculture combines tradition, innovation and science to benefit the shared environment and promote fair relationships and a good quality of life for all involved.."

There is also an USDA Regulation but I'm yet to research on how it is administered.